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Life‐cycle assessment of full‐scale membrane bioreactor and tertiary treatment technologies in the fruit processing industry
Author(s) -
Chu Tong,
Abbassi Bassim E.,
Zytner Richard G.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
water environment research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.356
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1554-7531
pISSN - 1061-4303
DOI - 10.1002/wer.1661
Subject(s) - reuse , life cycle assessment , wastewater , membrane bioreactor , sewage treatment , reverse osmosis , environmental science , waste management , environmental engineering , engineering , chemistry , biochemistry , production (economics) , membrane , economics , macroeconomics
A life‐cycle assessment (LCA) study was completed to assess the environmental impacts of an on‐site wastewater treatment system in the fresh‐cut fruit processing industry consisting of a membrane bioreactor (MBR), followed by reverse osmosis (RO) and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. The system boundaries comprised raw materials extraction and processing, transportation, construction, operation, and waste disposal. SimaPro 8.0.4.26 was used as the software tool, supported by two impact assessment methods (ReCiPe v1.11 and TRACI v2.1). Analysis showed that the treatment capacity of the MBR and tertiary technologies contributed the least damage to the ecosystem when compared with the other three scenarios and can provide water for reuse. Treating wastewater in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) mitigated eutrophication like the MBR system but resulted in more environmental impacts from climate change and human health when compared with the on‐site treatment system. Findings will be informative to stakeholders in the fresh‐cut agri‐food sector seeking input into selecting the appropriate treatment approach, with water reuse a goal. Practitioner Points Life‐cycle analysis was completed on a fruit processing facility using MBR + RO + UV. On site treatment with MBR + RO UV provides least amount of environmental impact. Use of MBR + RO + UV treatment on fruit wastewater allows for water reuse. ReCiPe v1.11 and TRACI v2.1 give similar LCA results, with TRACI recommended for North American analysis.